Following four key provisos will spell success for fundraising initiatives:
1) Beware of “mission drift,” or chasing available money as opposed to that which matches your mission.
2) Do your homework when seeking funding: You’ll get turned away if there’s a mismatch between your group’s mission and the funders’ giving priorities.
3) Don’t underestimate the importance of individual donors; they are a must for a diverse funding base. Giving USA has found that 75% of nonprofits’ private donations are from individuals (plus 7% from bequests).
4) Don’t forget that successful fundraising hinges on strong relationships that demand cultivation, management, and good stewardship.


Explore historic sites commemorating Black history in Michigan Explore historic sites commemorating Black history in Michigan
The legacies of influential Black Americans have not always been acknowledged, so it’s not uncommon that modern-day residents may overlook the historic sites of their own cities.
While some historical Black figures in the U.S. are more well-known than others, there are in fact thousands of people dating back generations to 17th-century slavery who left traces of their visions and impacts all across the country. Whether prominent figures such as Robert Abbott, who founded one of the largest African American newspapers in the country, or more under-the-radar originators such as Obrey Wendell Hamlet, who cultivated unique vacation experiences in the Rocky Mountains, one thing’s for certain: There is far more uncharted Black history in this country than charted.
Stacker identified historic sites commemorating Black history across 47 states, using the National Register of Historic Places. North Dakota, Vermont, Hawaii, and Wyoming did not have Black historic sites listed on the registry. While some states, especially in the South, are home to many sites central to the civil rights movement, Stacker listed the total sites in every state and the names of three historic sites where available. You can visit the full registry of 232 historic sites and explore the Civil Rights Trail to learn about additional locations across the U.S.
Read on to explore and learn about the historic sites celebrating Black history in your state, or read the national story here.
Michigan by the numbers
- Sites commemorating Black history: 23 (3 with state significance, 4 with national significance)
- Idlewild Historic District (Boundary Increase) (Yates) - Dunbar Hospital (Detroit) - Ossian H. Sweet House (Detroit)
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the Idlewild Historic District, a Black resort town in Yates Township, was once a booming town drawing in crowds. The unincorporated community, nicknamed “the Black Eden,” was created by white investors during a time when Black people weren’t allowed in predominantly white vacation spaces. By the 1960s, Idlewild saw a decline but in recent years there have been revitalization efforts such as including the Idlewild Historic & Cultural Center in 2003.
Continue reading to see which sites commemorate Black history in other states in your area.
Illinois
- Sites commemorating Black history: 18 (1 with state significance, 8 with national significance)
- Lovejoy, Owen, Homestead (Princeton) - Robert S. Abbott House (Chicago) - Oscar Stanton De Priest House (Chicago)
Built in 1838 in Princeton, Illinois, the Owen Lovejoy Homesstead was the home of the congressman, attorney, and abolitionist Owen Lovejoy. The home was a former station of the Underground Railroad and consists of a secret compartment that hid enslaved people who escaped.
Indiana
- Sites commemorating Black history: 37 (7 with state significance, 1 with national significance)
- Walker, Madame C. J., Building (Indianapolis) - Alexander Taylor Rankin House (Fort Wayne) - Eleutherian College (Lancaster)
A Black woman entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist, Madam C.J. Walker is recognized widely as the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S. due to the achievements of her cosmetology empire. Walker created specialized hair care products for Black women after experiencing a scalp ailment that resulted in her own hair loss. The Madame C.J. Walker Building, located at 617 Indiana Ave. in Indianapolis, was built in 1927 and provides guided tours to this day.


Abstract Micromonas commoda (previously Micromonas pusilla, a unicellular photosynthetic picoeukaryote globally dominant in marine ecosystems, has previously been qualified as being strongly phototactic. To date, no detailed quantitative or qualitative description of this behaviour has been reported, nor have thorough studies of its motility been undertaken. This primary producer has only been qualitatively described as utilizing run-and-tumble motion, but such motility strategy is incompatible with its morphology comprising only one propelling flagellum. Moreover, it is still unclear as to how Micromonas sp. detects a light direction due to the lack of a dedicated eyespot; the organism is essentially blind. Here we first perform population-scale phototactic experiments to show that this organism actively responds to a wide range of light wavelengths and intensities. These population responses are well accounted for within a simple drift-diffusion framework. Based on single-cell tracking experiments, we then detail thoroughly Micromonas sp.’s motility which resembles run-and-reverse styles of motion commonly observed in marine prokaryotes and that we name stop-run or reverse. The associated peculiar microscopic changes upon photo-stimulation are finally described and integrating those into jump-diffusion simulations appears to produce phototactic drifts that are quantitatively compatible with those obtained experimentally at the population level.


Consumers have continued to prioritize preventative nutrition, immunity, and overall health and wellness solutions through the first half of 2022. While the explosive spending levels on consumer health products during the pandemic have moderated, the sector is still forecasted to achieve substantial growth in the coming years. Notably, the North American Dietary Supplements market is expected to reach ~$51.1 billion in 2022, growing at a compound annual rate of 5.6%, according to Grand View Research.
1 As business owners and other market participants assess the prospect of a recession, customer retention will be critical for brands to maintain growth. Fortunately for sector players, 79% of U.S. consumers view vitamins and supplements as important to their health, according to ADM. 2
Consumer spending has continued to demonstrate resilience amid elevated inflation and an uncertain economic outlook, with personal consumption expenditures rising 0.2% in May from April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
3 However, the economic outlook among consumers continues to fall, with consumer sentiment declining in June to its lowest recorded value since the survey began in 1978, according to The University of Michigan’s surveys of consumers. 4 Sector participants may struggle to add new customers in a recessionary environment, emphasizing the importance of repeat revenue, omnichannel presence, and subscription-based models.
Strategic and investor interest in the Health & Wellness sector continues, although most buyers are approaching acquisitions with more vigilance and highly targeted intent.
Year-To-Date M&A Volume Falls Below 2021’s Record Setting Pace
Merger and acquisition (M&A) volume in the first half of 2022 has failed to match the record-setting levels experienced in 2021. Through year-to-date (YTD), 38 transactions have been announced or completed. While this marks a 51% year-over-year (YOY) decrease, it remains in line with historical transaction counts at the midway point of the year. Strategic buyers have comprised the majority of activity, accounting for 81.6% of total transactions, led by private strategic buyers (47.4% of YTD transactions). Public strategics (34.2%) have also shown no signs of slowing acquisition pursuits, paying high multiples for quality businesses that complement product portfolios or expand manufacturing capabilities. However, significant cost inflation has weighed on the profitability of sector players, with the median last-twelve-month (LTM) EBITDA margin among public companies in Capstone’s Supplements Index falling to 14.8% from 16.5% in the previous year. Moving through the second half of the year and into 2023, sector participants will keenly monitor costs and are anticipated to increasingly factor in a potential target company’s expected performance during an economic downturn.
Financial buyers, including private equity firms, have remained active in the sector, accounting for 18.4% of YTD transactions. Many private equity firms have become more selective in their bidding in recent months, largely pursuing strong brands with customer loyalty or manufacturers with a solid client base and high degree of revenue visibility. Notably, contract manufacturers have drawn sustained interest from sponsors, often as add-ons to existing manufacturing platforms. In March, Waterland-backed EMPWR acquired Noble Foods, a private label contract manufacturer of nutritional bars. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Previously owned by Novacap Private Equity, Noble Foods provides expertise in producing customized recipes leveraging its coating, layering, and depositing capabilities which can be applied to produce nutritional products including specialist health bars. The transaction highlights how private equity players have actively sought to expand the offerings and geographic reach of their manufacturing holding companies. Additional notable transactions in the sector are outlined below.
Nestlé Health Science to Acquire Puravida (May 2022, Undisclosed) -Nestlé Health Science, a subsidiary of Nestlé (SWX:NESN), has agreed to acquire Brazil-based Puravida, a premium nutrition and health lifestyle brand. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2015, Puravida provides organic, natural, and plant-based foods in addition to clean-label supplements. “Bringing together Puravida's and Nestlé Health Science's deep experience in nutrition research and development will result in further innovation, expanding the breadth and depth of the portfolio across consumer and healthcare professional channels," said Monica Meale, Head of Nestlé Health Science Latam, in a press release. 5
The acquisition complements Nestlé Health Science's portfolio, which has an existing offering in oral nutritional supplements, protein powders, and ready-to-drink nutritional beverages in Brazil. In addition, the purchase of Puravida points to an increased focus on plant-based offerings for Nestlé Health Science. Notably, Nestlé Health Science acquired a majority stake in Orgain (February 2022), a leading plant-based nutrition provider (terms of transaction not disclosed).
Glanbia Acquires Sterling Technology (May 2022, $60 million) -Glanbia Nutritionals, a business segment of Glanbia (ISE:GL9), has acquired Sterling Technology for an enterprise value of $60 million, equivalent to 2.5x EV/Revenue. Sterling is a leading manufacturer of dairy bioactive solutions derived from bovine colostrum, an ingredient used in immunity and gut health solutions. The acquisition builds on Glanbia's strategy of acquiring and integrating complementary businesses to bolster its Nutritional Solutions business.
"It fits really nicely with our acquisition strategy of adding complementary assets and capabilities to our core platform in Nutritional Solutions. It builds out Nutritional Solutions' immunity offering, which has performed very strongly in recent times, and builds it out across Pediatric, Medical, Dietary and Sports Nutrition categories. It had 2021 revenues of $24 million and will be marginally accretive to our full-year 2022 earnings," commented Siobhán Talbot, Glanbia Managing Director and Executive Director, in a company earnings call.
6 Sector M&A Valuations Continue to Outpace Broader Consumer Industry
M&A valuations in the Vitamins & Supplements sector have remained healthy through the first half of 2022, despite economic uncertainty and the likelihood of additional interest rate hikes. Notably, sector purchase multiples have averaged 13.0x EV/EBITDA over the past three years ending Q2 2022. The steady valuation environment can also be seen in the middle market (under $500 million in enterprise value), with Vitamins & Supplements sector multiples averaging 11.7x EV/EBITDA—outperforming the middle market average in the broader Consumer sector of 10.5x EV/EBITDA, according to Capstone Partners.
Rising interest rates may place downward pressure on valuations, particularly among private equity bidders as leveraged transactions become more expensive. Despite higher financing costs, sponsors still have the luxury of vast reserves of dry powder, which have reached $1.4 trillion, according to PitchBook.
7 While large-scale leveraged buyouts may decline in the coming months, private equity firms are expected to continue to search for valuable add-on opportunities to existing sector portfolio holdings.
Strategic buyers have continued to pay premiums for high quality assets. Through the first half of 2022, key drivers of premium valuations for target companies have included omnichannel capabilities, subscription-based models, repeat revenue, or robust production capabilities. Jamieson's (TSX:JWEL) acquisition of Nutrawise Health & Beauty in June, outlined below, is reflective of the current transaction environment.
Jamieson Wellness to Acquire Nutrawise Health & Beauty (June 2022, $400.2 million) -Jamieson Wellness has agreed to acquire Nutrawise Health & Beauty, owner of youtheory, for an enterprise value of $400.2 million. The enterprise value is inclusive of a contingent consideration of up to $190 million based on the adjusted EBITDA growth of between 0% and 210% by fiscal year 2025. Youtheory's $114 million in revenue and $21 million in adjusted EBITDA (Jamieson Wellness) 8equate to a 3.5x EV/Revenue multiple and 19.1x EV/EBITDA. Absent the contingent consideration, the purchase multiples amount to 1.8x EV/Revenue and 10.1x EV/EBITDA. Through the acquisition, Jamieson gains a leading premium supplement lifestyle brand with product offerings targeting general wellness, beauty, digestive health, joint support, and emotional wellness applications—creating a platform for expansion in the U.S. Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements market. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive with 2022 pro forma revenues of $155 million to $159 million, according to a press release. 9In addition, youtheory offers state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, with a 150,000 square foot facility, highlighting the value buyers have placed on in-house production.
"The transaction is immediately accretive to Jamieson, and we see significant opportunities for future growth synergies as we leverage our broad product portfolio, best-in-class operational capabilities and global footprint to accelerate youtheory’s expansion across multiple categories and channels in the United States and around the world," commented Mike Pilato, President and CEO of Jamieson Wellness, in the press release.
Moving through the second half of 2022 and beyond, private businesses are likely to be evaluated on their recession resilience and revenue visibility. The past two years have affirmed the emphasis consumers place on health and wellness solutions, specifically vitamins & supplements. Capstone expects consumers to continue to spend on health-conscious products, unwilling to sacrifice healthy routines and the nutritional supplements they have adopted. Notably, 67% of global nutritional supplement users plan to continue using supplements over the next year, according to ADM, creating a sustained backdrop of favorable demand in the Vitamins & Supplements sector.
To discuss the trends above, provide an update on your business, or learn about Capstone's wide range of advisory services and Health & Wellness sector knowledge, please contact Managing Director Lisa Tolliver. Endnotes Grand View Research, "North America Dietary Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Ingredient, By Form, By Application, By End-user, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028," https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/north-america-dietary-supplements-market#, accessed July 12, 2022. ADM, "The Dietary Supplement Consumer of Tomorrow," https://assets.adm.com/adm.com/The-Dietary-Supplement-Consumer-of-Tomorrow-Report.pdf, accessed July 1, 2022. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, "Personal Income and Outlays, May 2022," https://www.bea.gov/news/2022/personal-income-and-outlays-may-2022, accessed July 10, 2022. The University of Michigan, "Surveys of Consumers," https://data.sca.isr.umich.edu/, accessed July 12, 2022. Nestlé Health Science, " Nestlé Health Science agrees to acquire Puravida," https://www.nestlehealthscience.com/newsroom/press-releases/nhs-agrees-to-acquire-puravida, accessed July 11, 2022. Glanbia, "Q1 2022 Interim Management Statement," https://www.glanbia.com/investors/results-and-events, accessed July 10, 2022. PitchBook, "Private Fund Strategies Report," https://pitchbook.com/, accessed July 11, 2022. Jamieson Wellness, "Jamieson Wellness to Acquire Nutrawise Health and Beauty Corporation Owner of youtheory Brand," https://jamiesonwellness.q4cdn.com/227882590/files/doc_presentations/2022/06/Nutrawise-Investor-Presentation_06.pdf, accessed July 11, 2022. Business Wire, "Jamieson Wellness Inc. to Acquire Nutrawise Health & Beauty Corporation, Owner of youtheory Brand," https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220601005606/en/Jamieson-Wellness-Inc.-to-Acquire-Nutrawise-Health-Beauty-Corporation-Owner-of-youtheory-Brand, accessed July 11, 2022. Related Transactions Insights for Middle Market Leaders
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Background: As we continue to explore narratives, we can not only consider how a writer appeals to a reader using rhetorical appeals, but we can also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the writer’s main message as well.While your first essay allowed you to investigate the techniques a writer uses to effectively convey a message to an audience, your second essay will require you to consider the impact of these narratives and how they can inspire and motivate changes in society.
Assignment: Choose one autobiography or memoir written by an individual who has had a significant impact on society (national or international), and research how this individual’s narrative has had an effect (either in negative and/or positive ways).
Examples: Malala Yousafzai (I Am Malala), Nelson Mandela (Long Walk to Freedom), Ishmael Beah (A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier), Andre Agassi (Open), Robert O’Neill (The Operator), Maya Angelou, (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings), Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential), Neil deGrasse Tyson (The Sky Is Not the Limit), Michelle Obama (Becoming)
*You may use an autobiography/memoir not listed here – these are simply examples!
A successful essay will include a clear, direct thesis which incorporates evidence and support from the selected narrative and additional credible sources to support claims, connected by strong, in-depth analysis.
Essay Question: What is the significance of this individual’s narrative, and how has this individual inspired social, political, and/or economic change?
Consider the following questions as you brainstorm and develop a thesis: *Note that it is not necessary to answer each question – use these for brainstorming purposes.
Context: Where did the subject spend their childhood? What were the social, political, and/or economic issues at the time? What were some major events happening at the time? Were they or their family directly impacted by these circumstances?
Narrative and Rhetoric: How does the subject use ethos, pathos, and logos effectively in their writing? Who is their target audience? What are the messages of the piece? How does the public view this individual?
Effects: Based on this subject’s story, how does the public view them? Did their story change perceptions, or reinforce them? What changes to social, political, and/or economic circumstances were inspired by their story? How have they directly contributed to these outcomes?
Research: This essay must incorporate credible (and/or scholarly) sources to support the thesis. These sources must be evaluated to ensure proper placement within academic writing. SparkNotes, CliffNotes, Shmoop, and other study guide references are not appropriate for this essay. Remember that Wikipedia is not a credible source!
Requirements: ● 6-7 pages in length (MLA format) ● Works Cited (minimum of five credible outside sources)
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Economy
‘I’m shocked we haven’t been sued yet’: Oklahoma’s licensure boards are flawed
November 22, 2022 Jonathan Small
State licensure boards are an important, although often overlooked, component of job opportunity and economic growth. The boards control access to professions. If operated appropriately, they provide consumer protection while allowing the most qualified people possible to enter a profession, which increases competition and keeps prices down for consumers.
But there’s reason to worry Oklahoma’s licensure boards have inherent flaws that not only stymie healthy industry competition, but also could be found illegal. One legislator compared the state’s licensure system to “sitting on a time bomb.”
A new report issued by the Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) reviewed several state entities that regulate licensure in—and access to—several professions, including the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Horse Racing Commission, Board of Medical Licensure and Regulation, Board of Nursing, and Board of Pharmacy.
LOFT reviewers found Oklahoma is one of only five states in the nation to operate its occupational licensing boards under a fully autonomous governance structure, and reviewers found “limited transparency and oversight with this model.” Equally worrisome, LOFT noted that Oklahoma’s licensing boards are often “composed primarily of members who are active practitioners within the industry being regulated,” which “presents well-documented concerns about the impartiality of the boards, particularly whether access and competition is being unnecessarily limited.”
In its
North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners v. Federal Trade Commission ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court held that state-action antitrust immunity does not apply to a state board that restrains access to an occupation if a majority of the board’s decision-makers are active market participants and the state does not actively supervise the board.
LOFT noted that Oklahoma’s licensure-board system “does not have independent oversight by any single entity or individual.”
In other words, the state could be successfully sued for restraining industry competition.
State Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, said, “I’m shocked we haven’t been sued yet.”
Not all officeholders share that concern. Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn dismissed calls to reform the system, saying, “I do feel like a lot of times we do look at outside studies and create answers to things that are not problems.”
But Osborn is wrong. There are times to be proactive. When courts have provided clear guidance, state officials should not wait until they have been successfully sued to respond.
It makes sense to have input from industry on boards related to an industry, but the system should also have safeguards to prevent self-interest from leading to abuses that reduce competition and inflate consumer costs.
Oklahoma needs to empower someone in state government—be it agency heads or the attorney general—with the power to overrule state licensure boards when abuse occurs. We can’t afford to simply avert our eyes and hope for the best.


Journey to Outcomes, July 2015
European Member States and key healthcare stakeholders are under significant pressure as they face the dilemma of fewer healthcare resources per capita to meet increasing demand for health services. Underlying this challenge are ageing populations, declining rates of workforce participation, budgetary pressure and the concurrent introduction of new treatments that are both dramatically more effective and costly. To navigate a path forward, healthcare leaders gathered in Brussels on February 10-11 with a shared commitment to improve outcomes for patients, health systems and society.
Placing outcomes at the top of the healthcare agenda allows leaders to focus on maximising patient benefit while delivering value to health systems and society. As leaders of respected healthcare institutions, many Brussels participants believe it is incumbent upon them to
“do our part to steer Europe’s health systems towards the path of high-quality, cost-effective ‘health’ care rather than ‘sick’ care.”
However, the roadmap to navigate this journey to health outcomes has not been drawn. Implementing an “outcomes agenda” will require a redesign of care pathways, new business models and new forms of collaboration across the system – an ambitious proposition. This document is a start to that journey and reflects the following themes from the discussion in Brussels:
Health systems face demographic, economic and technological investment pressures
A focus on health outcomes will relieve pressure and provide greater health system value and efficiency
New models of leadership and collaboration are needed to advance the outcomes agenda


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by Bruce Goldstein
CSTPR Faculty and Associate Professor in Environmental Design and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
At the Leverage Points conference held at Leuphana University in Germany in February 2019, I organized a panel entitled “Transformative Co-Production Experiments as a Nucleus for Societal Learning”. This panel built on activities that began at the International Sustainability Transition Conferences 2016 (Wuppertal) and 2017 (Gothenburg), where a thematic research network on learning in sustainability transitions was formed, drawing together members of the social-ecological systems research, organizational science, and educational science communities.
The session was divided in two parts. The first part included six introductory talks that focused on specific aspects of the role of learning about sustainability transitions within transformative co-production experiments. Our panelists, and their affiliations and presentation titles, were as follows:
Bruce Goldstein (CSTPR and Program in Environmental Design, University of Colorado Boulder): “Transformative Learning Networks” Ilan Chabay (Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies and Arizona State University): “Facilitating mutual learning for sustainability through multi-player games” Flurina Schneider (Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern): “Fostering multi-level learning for sustainability transformations in different cultural contexts” (Flurina could not attend, but was there in spirit.) Johannes Halbe (Institute of Environmental System Research, University of Osnabrück): “A Multi-Level Learning Framework to Analyze and Design Transition Governance Processes” Richard Beecroft (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology): “Embedding Transdisciplinary Project Courses in a Real-world Lab” Julianna Gwiszcz (School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University): “Catalyzing Global Ecological Citizenship through Transformative Learning: The Integral Role of Affective Engagement”
The primary issues we explored in our presentations were:
Developing learning concepts to understand co-production experimentsand their outreach. We will explore how micro (e.g., individual and group) to macro learning (e.g., structural change at the societal level) concepts help to understand how co-production experiments foster critical links between personal, small-group, and societal learning. Facilitation of mutual learning among diverse stakeholdersas a lever for advancing changing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors (e.g., towards global ecological citizenship). We will consider how diverse knowledge practices (traditional, cultural, procedural, and scientific) enhance meaning making and knowledge co-production, while taking challenges like power dynamics into account. Designing cross-boundary learning processesthat connect “inner” (within participating individuals and groups) with “outer” (e.g., institutional changes) processes of change. We are particularly interested in how co-production experiments can leverage paradigm transcendence through reflection on the Modernist framing of learning processes as inner/outer learning, and emergence of new ways of framing and articulating to seek a “personal-to-civilizational scale transformation.” Co-production experiments have complex and case-specific features that impede transfer of findings between interventions. What kinds of learning are possible when methods are not standardized and other conditions for reliability, scalability and transferability do not hold?
After a lively summary or inter-related themes at the conclusion of these presentation, we held an interactive panel discussion which Bruce facilitated, using a fishbowl format. Here is the fruit of that conversation:
How can we create opportunities to engage groups of people with scary, real-world problems and complex sustainability challenges?
Build good containers: enable trust to form by providing safety, and comfort Good preparation, “priming” participants to engage Abstraction – or gamification – creates safety, a sense of play Is a traumatizing event necessary before a community engages in second-loop or triple-loop learning? Not necessarily, there are ways to prepare a community
How do we facilitate good learning processes?
Facilitators who model loving behavior and create a virtuous cycle of reciprocity Foster embodied, personal connections Create a safe space for participants to be vulnerable Facilitators who aren’t too directive, or motivated by their agendas (literally and figuratively) Accept messiness, conflict, some loss of control of the process (productive tension that results in emergence)
How do we pivot from learning to action?
It’s not linear, there are cycles of engaging in the world and creating safe spaces to learn and reflect We need to cultivate different learning contexts, which afford different kinds of interaction (e.g. ecovillages, workshops, visioning exercises) Not all learning is facilitated and planned – we need to engage in settings where unintended learning occurs, in order to shape it and allow it to achieve its potential Identifying shared, core narratives are key to making the pivot
Agenda for our research/action community:
Continue to engage in learning about learning Explore how system resilience can be a quality of collaborative learning Explore action research approaches that enable us to recognize and act on our normative commitments and engage critically Enhance our own transparency about our mistakes, emotional responses, experiments that are failures
At the conclusion of the session, Blane Harvey provided a brief account of the work of the learning community.
This session was linked to another session that I organized: Experiments in Transformative Coproduction, which focused on the possibilities offered by a recent explosion of transformative coproduction experiments, such as “T-Labs”, “Co-Labs”, “Bright Spots”, “Seeds”, and “Learning Networks”. In this session, we explored learning efforts that are experimental both in the sense of innovative process design and in their intention to probe the potential for leveraging systems transformation. We highlighted some promising cases, brought practitioners into conversation about the design and implementation of co-production experiments to enhance co-learning and realize their transformative potential. Through both of these panels, our hope was to increase mutual support among researcher/practitioners who share a passion for figuring out how to enhance transformative learning.


294.1Billion mobilized to the National Housing Fund (Scheme) N175Billion disbursed in housing loans and construction finance Adds 927,000 contributors to the NHF Scheme
The implementation of a 6-Point Strategy Plan is delivering historic improvements in the operations and impact of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN)’s affordable housing delivery activities.
The FMBN Executive Management Team, whose five-year tenure is due to lapse on Friday 8
th April 2022, stated this in a recent townhall meeting with staff.
Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the FMBN MD/CEO, said that with the hard work and cooperation of staff the Management Team posted remarkable results across on corporate performance indices since its assumption of office in April 2017. He listed some of the notable achievements to include:
The mobilization of 1Billion in additional contributionsto the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme at an average of N58.8billion per annum represents over 117% increasefrom the N232.8Billion the team met in April 2017. Disbursement of N175Billion in affordable housing loans and construction financerepresents over 111% increase from the N152Billion the team met in April 2017. Results include the provision of NHF Mortgage loans to 5,938 Nigerians, home renovation loans to 77,575 beneficiaries, and the delivery of 13,499 new homes. Speedy processing of 5Billionin refunds to 247,521 retired NHF contributorsrepresenting over 359% increase from the N10.8Billion the team met in April 2017. The development and commencement of the N40billion FMBN Mega Cities project under the FG National Economic Sustainability Program (NESP) to deliver 5,000 housing units. Championing initiatives that have made FMBN affordable housing products more affordable. This includes relaxed equity requirements of up to 30% to 10% for loans above N5m, and 0% for those below N5m while retaining single digit interest rate regime for personal loans and thereby promoting inclusiveness; creating innovative products such as the rent to own, individual construction, diaspora mortgage loan and non-interest mortgage and revamping the cooperative housing development loan products to ensure that more Nigerians can benefit from FMBN and Leveraging the power of technology to enhance transparency in the management of NHF operations. Straightening the huge backlog of unaudited financial statements dating back to 2013. Results: FMBN audited financial statements (AFS) for the Years 2013 – 2019 have been presented and cleared by the Board; the CBN has approved all the audited Financial Statements up to 2015 while the approval for 2016 – 2019 audited financial statements remains pending. The Year 2020 AFS is almost concluded, as it is currently going through its finishing touches.
Arc. Dangiwa said the Bank was able to achieve these milestones by ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the NHF scheme, engaging state governments to resume contributions to the NHF scheme, and building strategic partnerships with labor centers such as the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA). He noted that the team drove an aggressive campaign that saw historic participation of the informal sector, the self-employed, and cooperative societies in the NHF scheme leading to the addition of over
927,000 additional contributors to the NHF scheme.
The FMBN MD/CEO noted that a continued implementation of the 5-year Strategy Plan, developed in collaboration with Messrs. KPMG will lead to a positive turnaround for the Bank. The Strategy document is expected to run from 2020 – 2024 and aims to deliver 100,000 housing units, grow NHF annual collections from N50 billion to over N300 billion, and expand the NHF customer base by 25 million new contributors drawn mostly from the informal sector to 31m.
He thanked the FMBN staff for their hard work and dedication and said that together they have succeeded in making a significant difference in the history of the Bank.
“We are happy to say that we came, we met you and we had a wonderful time working with you. When the history of FMBN is written, there will be sufficient facts and figures to give good testimonials of the work that we have accomplished with your support. Indeed, we have made a significant difference. As we move on, it is important to say that the work and the momentum must continue. Because despite our modest achievements, there is still so much more to do.” Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa


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Museums constantly face challenges when it comes to staying current with technological advances. Whether it involves lack of staffing, IT infrastructure or funding, maintaining best practices can be a struggle. The Worcester Art Museum (WAM) remains committed to digital outreach despite its own internal struggles and retains staff dedicated to thinking outside of the digital box to deliver images to all stakeholders while ensuring a digital object’s sustainability without the use of a digital asset management system. This case study looks at how attention to file-naming structure, along with embedding metadata, can ensure higher standards of preservation and sustainability along with day-to-day needs.
The full article is available to institutions that have subscribed to the journal.


Objectives: To determine if young children with autism show diminished VT at rest in comparison to non-autistic children, and to determine if these groups differ in their profile of responses to social challenges of varying intensity. We also sought to examine the relations between VT and measures of social and adaptive behaviors.
Methods: Children with Autistic Disorder (AUT; n = 15) and children without autism (nonAUT; n = 8) were group matched on chronological age and nonverbal IQ (2 ½ - 6 ½ years of age). Cognitive abilities were assessed with the Differential Ability Scales or the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Diagnoses were confirmed with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Social and adaptive behaviors were assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Children were observed during a baseline period and then during a series of social events, including feigned distress reactions by a female examiner, and a stranger approach procedure. ECG was acquired during this behavioral assay. Automated algorithms were utilized to detect and correct for potential artifact in the ECG signal, and VT was calculated from the resulting ECG time series. Children were categorized as showing reductions in VT from baseline to challenge conditions (“responders”) or showing increases or no change in VT (“non-responders”).
Results: Groups did not differ in baseline VT or in changes in VT during social challenge. Within group analyses were conducted to compare VT responders to non-responders on measures of social and adaptive abilities (Vineland Scales). For less intrusive social conditions, responders and non-responders did not differ on Vineland adaptive behavior scores. However, for the intrusive stranger approach condition, AUT group responders showed higher mean scores on Socialization Domain than non-responders (T [10.5],
p = 0.02). Group differences on the Vineland Daily Living Skills, Communication, and Motor Skills domains were not statistically significant. Within the nonAUT group, there were no statistically significant differences between responders and non-responders on Vineland Scale domain scores.
Conclusions: These results suggest that children with autism may show different patterns of parasympathetic responses to social events of varying degrees of intensity, and the individual differences in these physiologic responses are predictive of social functioning, as measured by parent report. These results will be discussed in relation to possible differences in response thresholds and implications for understanding the impact of regulatory capacity on behavioral functioning in young children with autism


Abstract
A Lancefield group D enteric streptococcus was isolated from diarrheic suckling rats that had been inoculated orally with stool from a diarrheic human. After oral administration of the organism to other suckling rats, diarrhea was reproduced, and the enteric streptococcus was reisolated. The brush border of small intestinal villi in affected animals was coated with numerous adherent gram-positive cocci. The organism was identified as Enterococcus hirae by a battery of biochemical tests. These and previous studies indicate that certain enterococci should be considered as etiologic agents of diarrheal disease in neonatal animals.
ASJC Scopus subject areas Microbiology (medical)


Divergent modes for cargo-mediated control of clathrin-coated pit dynamics.
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis has long been viewed as a process driven by core endocytic proteins, with internalized cargo proteins being passive. In contrast, an emerging view suggests that signaling receptor cargo may actively control its fate by regulating the dynamics of clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) that mediate their internalization. Despite its physiological implications, very little is known about such "cargo-mediated regulation" of CCPs by signaling receptors. Here, using multicolor total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy imaging and quantitative analysis in live cells, we show that the μ-opioid receptor, a physiologically relevant G protein-coupled signaling receptor, delays the dynamics of CCPs in which it is localized. This delay is mediated by the interactions of two critical leucines on the receptor cytoplasmic tail. Unlike the previously known mechanism of cargo-mediated regulation, these residues regulate the lifetimes of dynamin, a key component of CCP scission. These results identify a novel means for selectively controlling the endocytosis of distinct cargo that share common trafficking components and indicate that CCP regulation by signaling receptors can operate via divergent modes.


Objective: To assess the relationships between life satisfaction and disability after a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Cross-sectional study, including 75 patients 2 years or more after a severe TBI. Methods: Life satisfaction was assessed with the Subjective Quality of Life Profile. Impairments, activities and participation were assessed with standardized tests. Results: The satisfaction profile was flat, i.e. the majority of items obtained mean satisfaction scores close to 0, suggesting that participants felt indifferent to these items or in other words that they were neither satisfied nor unsatisfied. Patients were on average slightly dissatisfied with their cognitive functions, physical abilities and self-esteem. A factor analysis revealed three underlying factors. The main finding was that the relationships between life satisfaction and disability were not linear: the lowest satisfaction scores were reported by participants with moderate disability rated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale, while individuals with severe disability did not significantly differ from the good recovery group. Conclusion: Life satisfaction is not linearly related to disability after severe TBI.


Policy Brief 3, 2017: South Africa
Almost half of the South African population is still not using the Internet. A major contributing factor to this low Internet penetration could be the high cost of data products and smartphone devices. At the same time, consumers are not subscribing to the cheapest products on the market, such as the 1GB data bundle offered by Telkom at the substantially cheaper price of R99. This is a clear indication that in a data environment, subscribers are not only concerned about the cost of going online; other factors such as quality – coverage and speed – appear to be something for which users are willing to pay a premium. This is evidenced by subscribers sticking with the operators who offer the most expensive data products have invested significantly in their 3G and LTE networks.
Operators continue to squeeze the remaining revenues out of voice services by slowly reducing their mobile prepaid voice prices. The cost of an OECD basket in South Africa, however, is still three times 1that of the best-performing country, Egypt, and twice the cost of an OECD basket in Uganda and Tunisia. While the supply-side data informs analysis of price trends, it does not provide any information on why a large portion of South African citizens are not online. As a way of providing answers to this important policy question, Research ICT Africa (RIA) is currently conducting a nationally representative household and individual survey on ICT access and use. These RIA Beyond Access Surveys are informative as they capture income levels, usage, education, age, gender and location, which can be used to inform policymakers about affordability of both mobile broadband services and the technical devices suitable for accessing the Internet.
Highlights:
1. The price of 1GB of data in South Africa from dominant operators has remained consistent at between R149 and R160 for 8 quarters.
2. Despite offering 1GB for R99, Telkom appears unable to exert pricing pressure on the other operators.
3. Innovative mobile bundles that offer more value for money, usually with large volume discounts, tend to have complex cost structures and conversion strategies.
4. Vodacom has the largest data revenue at R21 billion in 2017, while Cell C has managed to bring in R15 billion in the same period thanks to handsome data growth.
Downloads
South African data prices static for two years but consumers not flocking to cheapest product offering Suggested citation
Mothobi, O. (2017).


Conquer High-volume e-Commerce With Goods-to-person Order Fulfillment
The U.S. has experienced 26 straight quarters with year-over-year, e-commerce sales growth at or near 15 percent. However, much of this growth is attributed to direct-to-consumer orders, rather than the larger pallet load orders many distribution centers (DCs) were originally designed to handle for retail replenishment. These direct-to-consumer orders require handling larger volumes of smaller-size orders.
Fulfillment operations that handle retail replenishment and direct-to-consumer orders must adapt their processes to meet service level demands across both channels efficiently and profitably.
Goods-to-person (GTP) order fulfillment offers a solution that applies the right mix of automated equipment, processes and workflow adjustment to handle high volumes of direct-to-consumer orders with greater speed and accuracy. GTP fulfillment can be improved by automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) technologies. After an AS/RS retrieves products from storage, a conveyor then transports the required SKUs to picking stations — improving efficiency and increasing facility utilization.
Download our white paper, the second installment in a series of AS/RS materials from Honeywell Intelligrated, to learn how workflow adjustments and shuttle technology can increase efficiency for high-volume, e-commerce fulfillment operations.


Background: Under certain conditions, the physiological repair of connective tissues might
fail to restore the original structure and function. Optimized engineered connective tissues (ECTs) with biophysical properties adapted to the target tissue could be used as a substitution therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ECT enforcement by a complex of multiwall carbon nanotubes with chitosan (C-MWCNT) to meet in vivo demands. Materials and Methods: ECTs were constructed from human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-1) in collagen type I and enriched with the three different percentages 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1% of C-MWCNT. Characterization of the physical properties was performed by biomechanical studies using unidirectional strain. Results: Supplementation with 0.025% C-MWCNT moderately increased the tissue stiffness, reflected by Young’s modulus, compared to tissues without C-MWCNT. Supplementation of ECTs with 0.1% C-MWCNT reduced tissue contraction and increased the elasticity and the extensibility, reflected by the yield point and ultimate strain, respectively. Consequently, the ECTs with 0.1% C-MWCNT showed a higher resilience and toughness as control tissues. Fluorescence tissue imaging demonstrated the longitudinal alignment of all cells independent of the condition. Conclusion: Supplementation with C-MWCNT can enhance the biophysical properties of ECTs, which could be advantageous for applications in connective tissue repair.


Abstract
Objectives: Compare longitudinal healthcare utilization patterns in children with and without a history of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Study design: A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted using billing data extracted from between 2003 and 2016 in North Texas hospitals. The sample included 595 pediatric patients diagnosed with NOWS (i.e. exposed). The unexposed were patients not diagnosed with NOWS and matched 4:1 on sex, age at first encounter, and ethnicity to the exposed who received care during the same period. Multi-level regression models (accounting for clustered data structure of multiple visits per patient) compared number of hospitalizations, number of outpatient visits, number of emergency department (ED) visits, average length of stay, and healthcare expenditures across patients with and without NOWS. Results: Hospitalizations were significantly lower among exposed (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 0.58, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.44–0.77) compared to unexposed. Outpatient visits, ED visits, and average length of stay was significantly higher among exposed compared to unexposed (IRR = 1.19, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.36; IRR = 1.22, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.42; IRR = 2.21, 95 % CI = 2.03–2.42, respectively). Overall healthcare expenditure was greater among exposed, as well as for patients with neurologic, endocrine, cardiac, mental disorders, respiratory, perinatal, infectious disease, eye, ear, digestive, congenital anomaly, and skin diagnoses. Conclusions: Children with a diagnosis of NOWS have significantly higher healthcare expenditures, and with the exception of hospitalizations, higher healthcare utilization beyond the newborn visit. These findings suggest the needs for interventions for children with NOWS beyond the immediate neonatal period.
Keywords Longitudinal healthcare utilization Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Pediatrics ASJC Scopus subject areas Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health Developmental and Educational Psychology Psychiatry and Mental health


Evaluation of Minimum Unit Price of Alcohol in the Northern Territory
A report prepared for the Northern Territory Department of Health | 6 July 2022
The Northern Territory Government has today released the three-year evaluation into the introduction of a Minimum Unit Price (MUP) on Alcohol. The findings indicate that the introduction of the MUP, as part of a broader systems response to alcohol management, has contributed to a reduction in alcohol-related harms across the Northern Territory.
While AADANT supports the continuation of fair, effective measures which are proven to reduce alcohol harms, we also continue to highlight that significant further investment in both harm reduction and demand reduction measures - including bolstering treatment services - is vital to address the ongoing levels of harm caused by alcohol in the Territory.


Dutch company Avy has launched its Drone Response Network, combining docking stations with autonomous aircraft that have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.
The network offers drone coverage in a certain area, enabling instant deployment to support medical deliveries or emergency services during critical incidents.
First flights are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2022.
The network uses the Avy Aera autonomous drone that can carry up to 3 kg of medical goods over a distance of 100 km. It can operate year round, in rain and winds up to 45 kph, and is designed to meet the latest European Union drone regulations and United Nation requirements for aerial transport of medical goods.
For medical delivery, the drone is equipped with Aera’s Medkit, which has a four-liter capacity and is fitted with sensors for immediate assessment. Medical products remain cooled at 2-6 degrees for at least 100 minutes in an ambient temperature of up to 40° C.
The Avy Drone Response network is suitable for both urban and rural areas, delivering medicines, blood products, vaccines and other medical applications safer and twice as fast as road transportation, and is more environmentally friendly. It is expected to make a substantial contribution to achieving the goal of connecting hospitals and laboratories by air by 2023.
The Avy Aera can also be integrated with a high zoom RGB and thermal camera system and used to quickly detect wildfires, spot people in distress at sea, monitor oil spills and assess the situation on the ground.


FLUSHED: The Debate Over Bathroom Access Rights for Transgender Employees Continues
America is currently in the midst of a debate over sex segregated public bathrooms and their impact on the bathroom access rights of transgender individuals. Over the past few years, there’s been a wave of state legislation around the United States requiring that individuals utilize the bathrooms that correspond to the biological sex identified on their birth certificate (“Bathroom Bills”). Bathroom Bills were proposed in Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Washington, South Dakota, Virginia, and North Carolina. Although these proposed bills vary widely, the general effect of the bills is to prevent transgender individuals from using public bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity and/or outward gender expression.
Most recently, North Carolina’s bill (House Bill 2, the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act)—which was signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory on March 23, 2016—has received national attention and has been criticized as anti-LGBTQ legislation. The controversial bill prohibits cities from allowing transgender individuals to use public bathrooms that align with their sex or gender identity. The bill also provides that state laws on non-discrimination preempt any local ordinances, thereby generally restricting cities from passing non-discrimination laws.
In response to the state’s Bathroom Bill, corporations and celebrities have threatened to boycott the state and the federal government has threatened to pull/withhold federal funding to the state. Other corporations, like Target, have taken a public stance on inclusivity and have announced bathroom policies welcoming employees and store customers to use the bathroom and/or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.
On May 4, 2016, the Justice Department sent a formal letter to Gov. McCrory, summarizing its position on North Carolina’s Bathroom Bill and urging public officials to abandon the bill because it violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”). On Monday, May 9, 2016, both the U.S. Department of Justice and North Carolina doubled-down on their respective positions by filing dueling federal lawsuits over the legality of the state’s Bathroom Bill.
While the Bathroom Bill debate will play itself out in federal court, the controversy over North Carolina’s Bathroom Bill has a direct impact on employers and the workplace policies and practices of bathroom access for transgender employees. Until recently, there was very little direction given to employers on employees’ bathroom access rights. However, the EEOC has weighed in, providing guidance on the bathroom access rights of transgender employees under Title VII:
Discrimination based on an employee’s transgender status constitutes sex discrimination as defined by Title VII and is prohibited. Title VII prohibits gender-based stereotyping. Denying an employee equal access to a common bathroom corresponding to the employee’s gender identity is sex discrimination.
Although Title VII does not expressly include the word “transgender” nor has the Supreme Court ruled on the specific issue of bathroom access rights under federal anti-discrimination laws, the EEOC’s interpretation of the breadth of Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination is clear and employers should take note. Even in states or municipalities with contrary legislation, employers who are subject to Title VII (i.e., those employers with 15 or more employees) must comply with the federal law against discrimination. To ensure compliance with the EEOC’s clear position on bathroom access rights, employers should be mindful of the following:
Employers cannot require transgender employees to provide proof of surgery or gender reassignment beforethe employees are permitted to use the bathroom corresponding with their gender identity or expression. If common bathrooms are available (i.e., gender-specific restrooms with multiple stalls or urinals) for non-transgender employees, employers cannot relegate transgender employees to use only a single-user bathroom in lieu of using the common bathroom. Employers can make single-user bathrooms available for all employees and employees (including transgender employees) may chooseto use the single-user bathroom. The sentiments, beliefs, confusion, comfort-level and/or anxiety of other employees is not a defense to discrimination nor does it excuse an employer from the obligation of permitting transgender employees access to a common bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity or expression.
While the debate over Bathroom Bills continues, employers should rely on the EEOC’s guidance on bathroom access to ensure compliance with Title VII. To maintain a workplace free of discrimination, employers must flush away notions of gender-stereotypes and provide transgender employees with bathroom access consistent with their gender identity.


Cloud Adoption is a strategic imperative for any company seeking to thrive and grow in our increasingly digitized world. Yet, moving to the cloud without a solid strategy and governance plan in place can quite quickly eliminate any cost savings and efficiencies a company hoped to gain through its transformation. For example, a data breach can result in severe fines, months upon months of remediation work, and reputational damage that could lead to customer churn.
In a previous blog, we described how Cloud Governance is an extension of Corporate Governance. We listed seven key questions companies should ask as they continue their cloud journeys. This blog looks at Identity and Access Management (IAM) and how it relates to Cloud Governance. We present an overview of some of the key IAM challenges our clients have confronted as they approach the cloud and a list of critical questions every organization should consider regardless of whether they’re living in the Cloud(s) or haven’t started the journey.
Governing Identity and Access Management in the Cloud
The cloud’s ability to enable faster value creation, delivery, and protection through new services, enhanced digital experiences, or more efficient and secure transactions is a blindingly attractive beacon for modern enterprises. However, ‘blindingly attractive’ isn’t necessarily great – ‘real’ visibility is an essential characteristic of enterprise strategy, operations, and risk management.
A key aspect of visibility is knowing who and what is operating in your enterprise. As organizations migrate applications and workloads to the cloud and begin developing in it, observability becomes increasingly complex and potentially fraught with pitfalls. Particularly if the organization doesn’t have clear governance and centralized management that covers oversight of the identity lifecycle, the access request and approval process, entitlements management, role and policy management, access and entitlement certifications, and auditing and reporting to name a few.
This is where Identity and Access Management (IAM) comes into play. Simply stated, IAM is a set of policies, processes, supporting tools, and infrastructure used for managing the creation, maintenance, use, and oversight of digital identities, which can be either human or non-human. Whether we are talking about human users, machine roles, mobile devices, or even printers, anything that connects to or interacts with your environment should be identifiable and visible.
Whether your organization is all-in the cloud, partly there, or just thinking about it, the following is a list of fundamental questions to ask:
Do we know how access is provisioned across the enterprise today? Is it centrally managed or decentralized? Who approves requests at the enterprise and LOB levels? How are we managing the provisioning/de-provisioning of Machine Roles and Human Roles? How are IAM accounts currently audited? How frequently are IAM accounts audited? Is automation in place to facilitate access reviews for Joiners, Movers, and Leavers? Are we actively monitoring orphan accounts? How are changes to roles, entitlements, and accounts monitored? Do we ensure that default roles are disabling default roles? Is SSO implemented? What is the level of adoption? How are we managing secrets? How are we tracking privileged access and usage? Do we have automated enforcement of our password policies? Are self-service capabilities in place for password management? What is your IAM compliance monitoring strategy? Does your organization regularly monitor orphan accounts?
Taking care to ensure that only the right people have access to the right resources, at the right time, for the right reason in your cloud environment requires well-managed governance and a risk-aware culture as well as flexible adoption frameworks and centralized solutions.
Infinitive’s experts have the knowledge and experience to help your organization improve productivity by automating critical aspects of managing identities, authentication, and authorization. If you are struggling with any of these questions or want an outsider’s perspective, contact us to create the right IAM environment for your business.


Federal Court Issues Nationwide Preliminary Injunction Blocking DOL’s Final Overtime Rule
A federal district court in Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction barring the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from enforcing its Final Rule implementing higher salary requirements to qualify for an overtime exemption. That Final Rule, which was scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2016, would more than double the minimum salary required for an employee to be eligible for executive, administrative, and professional classifications that are exempt from overtime under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
In
State of Nevada v. U.S. Department of Labor, a case brought by 21 states, the court ruled that the DOL exceeded its authority and disregarded the intent of Congress by raising the threshold salary to such a level that it supplants the duties test for the exemptions. The court found that the plaintiffs demonstrated the likelihood of irreparable injury in the absence of a preliminary injunction, while the DOL was unable to demonstrate any harm likely to result from delaying the effective date of the Final Rule during the pendency of the case.
Although the Final Rule will not take effect on December 1 as scheduled, it is not permanently enjoined. The DOL is expected to challenge the decision, and the court will make a final determination on the validity of the rule, which then may be subject to appeal. However, the Final Rule may never take effect if the new administration arriving in January withdraws it.
In anticipation of the implementation of the Final Rule, many employers have already reclassified exempt employees as nonexempt or raised salaries, and they may find it unwise or difficult to undo such actions. Employers that have not yet come into compliance with the Final Rule might consider delaying implementation, but are encouraged to consult with counsel to discuss the impact of this recent development on their workforce.


Description
Climate change, desertification and declining rainfall are all factors contributing to water scarcity in North Africa. In response, the region is supporting investment in water treatment infrastructure or the optimisation of irrigation to ensure access to water resources. So what are the solutions to limit the effects of the region's heightening water stress?


Formerly known as Office International des Épizooties, World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) reveals a new logo, visual identity, and narrative.
"As the interdependence of animal health systems with human health, livelihoods and ecosystems has never been more apparent, therebrand comes at a crucial moment," according to an article on their website. "The need for international coordination and mobilisation is clear, not only to those working in the global health sector, but also increasingly to policymakers and the general public."
Founded in 1924, the organization renamed to the World Organization for Animal Health in May 2003. WOAH aims to improve animal welfare and their health on a global scale. The organization is currently headquarted in Paris, though it has offices in every continent, both regional and sub-regional.
The World Organization for Animal Health started during an International Conference on Epizootic Diseases of Domestic Animals in 1921, where diplomats from 43 countries called for an organization to be created to control the spread of animal diseases. Since then, the organization has had 182 members as of 2018.
The organization has maintained relations with 70 other organizations, both regional and international. The World Trade Organization recognizes WOAH as a reference organization and in 2017, and is entitled to the benefits of the International Organizations Immunities Act. The organization offers various services including, Veterinary and Aquatic Animal Services, Reference Centers, as well as provide Veterinary Products.


PhD proposal
SUPERVISORS: Gaelle Legube – CBI, Toulouse
Jop Kind -Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are toxic lesions, holding the potential to generate mutations and translocations. DSBs were historically seen as rare, mostly therapy-induced DNA lesions. However, recent work unequivocally revealed that endogenous DSBs occur far more frequently that initially believed, including in physiological conditions such as neuron stimulation, and mainly fall within transcribed loci (Transcription Coupled DSB, TC-DSB). Notably, altered repair of TC-DSBs is not only emerging as a driver of oncogenesis but also of many developmental, neurological and aging-associated diseases.
Using high throughput genomic and an original dedicated cell system (the DIvA cell line) our lab pioneered the discovery of a dedicated pathway mobilized to repair such DSBs in transcribed loci, coined as Transcription Coupled DSB repair (TC-DSBR). Grounding on our previous work, the present project aims at investigating TC-DSBR in stimulated neurons where endogenous TC-DSBs are generated as a consequence of early responsive genes activation.
Holding a strong background in bioinformatics the PhD student will:
Analyze and integrate the vast amount of high-throughput genomics data already obtained in DIvA cells (ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and HiC) to get a comprehensive view on the chromatin restructuration induced by TC-DSBs, to stage up the stage for the second aim. Investigate using stimulated primary mouse neurons and human minibrains the repair processes at work at these endogenous TC-DSBs, using bulk and single cell Cut&Tag approaches. Sc Cut&Tag will be performed in Jop Kind’s lab (Hubrecht institute) who is a leader in the development of single cell genomics approaches. Key words: cancer, ageing, modelling


Abstract
Grid cells, defined by their striking periodic spatial responses in open 2D arenas, appear to respond differently on 1D tracks: the multiple response fields are not periodically arranged, peak amplitudes vary across fields, and the mean spacing between fields is larger than in 2D environments. We ask whether such 1D responses are consistent with the system's 2D dynamics. Combining analytical and numerical methods, we show that the 1D responses of grid cells with stable 1D fields are consistent with a linear slice through a 2D triangular lattice. Further, the 1D responses of comodular cells are well described by parallel slices, and the offsets in the starting points of the 1D slices can predict the measured 2D relative spatial phase between the cells. From these results, we conclude that the 2D dynamics of these cells is preserved in 1D, suggesting a common computation during both types of navigation behavior.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes Neuroscience(all)


Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY) reintroduced the Prevention Through Affordable Access Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would drastically lower birth control prices on college campuses and community clinics.
Since 2006, prices for birth control have skyrocketed as high as $50/month at clinics and college health centers as a consequence of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. This act included a little-noticed provision that prohibited the decades-old practice of pharmaceutical companies selling contraceptives to college clinics and clinics serving low-income women at deeply discounted rates.
Crowley commented in a statement: “A bureaucratic mistake should not stand in the way of protecting the health and safety of millions of women across the nation,” he said. “At no-cost to the American taxpayer, this simple legislative fix will restore affordable access to safe, effective birth control reducing unplanned pregnancies and eliminating a considerable financial burden on millions of college-age and low-income women. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues Reps. Kirk, Ryan, Dent, and Schiff, and I am confident we will address this issue in the 111th Congress.”


Prediction Of Sugar Yield From Sugar Cane Using Process Modeling ABSTRACT
A study was undertaken to developed a model that will be used to predict sugar and the by-products from sugar cane. The model developed from MATLAB was used to predict the sugar, bagasse, filter cake and molasses yield from sugar cane. The predicted values from the model were compared to yield data obtained from the production of sugar cane from the Savannah Sugar Company, Numan, Nigeria for 90 days. The analysis gof variance (ANOVA) at p ≤ 0.01 was used to determine if there were significant difference in the yield predicted by the model and the measured factory yield. The F-LSD at p ≤ 0.01 was used to separate the means. The model is validated where there was no significant difference between its predicted yield and the factory-obtained yield. The sugar cane input of 2,150.52 MT was obtained from the Savannah Sugar factory. The corresponding imbibitions water pumped into the mixed juice was 673.12 MT. The predicted sugar, bagasse, molasses and filter cake yield using the MATLAB model was 279.5MT (13%), 1,049.46MT(48%), 111.828MT(5.2%) and 101.1MT(4.7%) respectively. The ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the MATLAB model and the factory-based model. It is concluded that the ANOVA validated MATLAB model for sugar yield prediction. Consequently, this model is recommended for use in predicting sugar and by-products yields from sugar cane. Statistical analysis using the F-LSD showed that the model satisfied such an invariant confidence in the model, and provided support for its validity.
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Abstract
The anticipated shift in the focal point of interest of solid-state chemists, crystal engineers, and crystallographers from structure to properties to function parallels the need to apply our accumulated understanding of the intricacies of crystal structure to explaining the related properties, with the ultimate goal of harnessing that knowledge in applications that require soft, lightweight, or biocompatible organic solids. In these developments, the adaptive molecular crystals warrant particular attention as an alternative choice of materials for light, flexible, and environmentally benign devices, primarily memories, capacitors, sensors, and actuators. Some of the outstanding requirements for the application of these dynamic materials as high-efficiency energy-storage devices are strongly induced polarization, a high switching field, and narrow hysteresis in the case of reversible dynamic processes. However, having been studied almost exclusively by chemists, molecular crystals still lack the appropriate investigations that reliably evaluate their reproducibility, scalability, and actuating performance, and some important drawbacks have diverted the interest of engineers from these materials in applications. United under the umbrella term crystal adaptronics, the recent research efforts aim to realistically assess the appositeness of dynamic crystals for applications that require fast, reversible, and continuous operation over prolonged periods of time. With the aim of highlighting the most recent developments, this Perspective discusses their assets and pitfalls. It also provides some hints on the likely future developments that capitalize on the untapped, sequestered potential of this distinct materials class for applications.
ASJC Scopus subject areas Catalysis Chemistry(all) Biochemistry Colloid and Surface Chemistry


The latest results from ECIA’s Electronic Component Sales Trend (ECST) surveys for September and Q3 2021 point to an apparent stabilization of growth in recent months following wide swings in growth expectations over the past 20 months.
The index average for growth expectations for overall components ranged between 120.0 and 127.0 between September and the October outlook. Similarly, expectations for overall end-market growth fell within a range of 111.4 and 115.4 in the same period. By comparison, the overall component index fell from 157.7 to 127.0 between March and August 2021 with the end-market index following a similar profile.
“While the detailed Electronic Component Sales Trend (ECST) report shows a significant difference in variability/volatility between various component sub-categories and end-markets, the overall picture of a more stable growth profile is encouraging for supply chain participants working to manage in a very challenging environment,” noted ECIA Chief Analyst Dale Ford. “We continue to point out that any score above 100 indicates growth expectations. So, while the level of the index has fallen it continues to point to ongoing growth.”


Crynodeb
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in huge disruption to the healthcare sector. In response to this, there have been collaborative efforts between many different public and private organizations to foster medical innovations. The effect of crisis upon innovation, particularly medical innovation, remains a debatable subject. In addition, the role of inter-personal relations is becoming more widely acknowledged as a critical feature of innovation. Drawing upon exaptation literature, the study aims to understand the nature of the micro-relations within medical innovations that are undertaken in response to COVID-19. The findings of this paper contribute to the limited literature that examines the performance of medical innovation in response to crisis. In addition to confirming the importance of exaptive pools, exaptive events, and exaptive forums in fostering serendipitous developments, the study makes a contribution to theory by identifying a further form of serendipitous encounter that is ‘exaptive relations’.


If you want your beloved car to run like a champion, robust-working car filters are a must! The filter restricts unwanted particles from entering your car's engine, preventing potentially expensive damage. However, filters get filled with debris over time and stop doing their job effectively. The clogging of filters can lead to significant problems or inefficiency in performance, leading to a loss in power, dirty smoke, oil light, or engine failure. Thus, replacing a clogged filter becomes essential depending on your car's make and model as it enhances fuel efficiency and boosts acceleration. Thus, several parts of your car demand regular maintenance for better performance.
Listed below are the top three filters in your vehicle that calls for a regular replacement for better performance:
Engine air filter
Your car's
engine air filter acts as the nostrils of your vehicle. So, just like your nostrils filter out the unwanted impurities of the air before reaching your lungs, engine air filters perform the same action for your vehicle.
It is a rectangular pleated device located inside a
cold air collector box near the engine's front compartment. It keeps your engine clean and running as efficiently as possible by restricting the pollen, dust, debris, and bugs entering your car engine's assembly.
While the timeline for replacing your vehicle's engine air filter depends on your car manufacturer's guidelines, it can be after every 10000 miles or every 2 oil changes, depending on your car's make, model, and age. Thus, it is recommended to get your car's air filter examined by a trusted mechanic each time you take your vehicle for any maintenance work, like an oil change.
Cabin air filter
Cabin air filters strive to maintain the air inside your car clean and breathable. It acts as a barricade between your vehicle's passengers and external pollutants by purifying the air through your car's heating and cooling system (eliminating dust, debris, pollen, and other unwanted pollutants).
While the need for replacement depends upon different car models, you can always refer to your vehicle's manual to check when is your car's cabin air filter replacement scheduled. It is advised to replace your cabin air filter every 10,000 miles. However, you can also consider filter replacement if you notice specific signs such as unpleasant odors from heating and cooling vents or rattling noises from air conditioning. Moreover, windows fogging up from the inside or weak airflow is another telltale sign indicating the need for replacement of cabin air filter.
Oil filter
The oil filter is curated to remove the oil's debris and other impurities that lubricate the engine. An uncontaminated oil is essential to the life of your car, and thus, the filter keeps it clean to allow you a smooth ride. According to the car manufacturer's guide, you can consider changing your vehicle's oil filter. However, it is recommended to change your oil filters every 5000 to 7500 miles or every six months, whichever comes earlier. Moreover, if you drive in extreme conditions, including dusty roads or high temperatures, consider changing your car's oil filters more frequently.
About us
Are you looking for top-quality, high-performance parts for your vehicle?
Project Gamma is here for your assistance! We offer best-in-class high-performance car products and other components for automobile enthusiasts and owners. We also provide accessible installation services and durable products to help our customers drive with peace and passion. Please write to us at info@shopprojectgamma.com for more information.